John S. Northup, Sr., 89, 'The Dahlia King' of Oak Avenue, died Thursday, February 5, 2009. He was the husband of the late Joyce (Smith) Northup.

Born in Narragansett, he was a son of the late William and Sarah (Ryan) Northup. He was a graduate of South Kingstown High School and he received his Agricultural Degree from Rhode Island State College.

Mr. Northup was employed for Electric Boat, retiring in 1984. He was the oldest and one of the longest members of the RI Dahlia Society, who was known for his dahlias earning the nickname 'Dahlia King'. When he was younger, he enjoyed fishing and lobstering. He served with the Army Air Corp during WW II.

He is survived by three children; Steve Northup of Wakefield, Dennis Northup of Narragansett, Paula Thomas of Wakefield; a brother, Fred Northup of Grand Island, Nebraska; four step-children, Bonnie Canup and Linda Steele, both of Pennsylvania, Clyde Canup of Pawtucket, David Canup of Lowell, MA, and many grandchildren.

The funeral will be 8:45 AM Monday from the AVERY-STORTI Funeral Home, 88 Columbia Street, Wakefield, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 AM in St. Mary Star of the Sea Church, 864 Pt. Judith Road, Narragansett. Burial will follow with military honors in Rhode Island Veterans Cemetery, Exeter. Visiting hours are 4-7 PM Sunday. Memorial donations may be made to: The Rhode Island Dahlia Society, c/o Larry Additon, 240 Prospect Ave, North Kingstown, RI 02852.

For guest book and condolences: averystortifuneralhome.com

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